Meet our team

Caring and experienced psychologists who treat a variety of mental health and life adjustment issues for adolescents, adults, couples and families.

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Join our team
  • Kate Willcox
  • Dr Nicole Woodhouse
  • Arielle Gohier
  • Clare Burton
  • Daisy Bottomley
  • Dr Gillian Campbell
  • Jess Murphy
  • Justin Kelly
  • Laura Kennan
  • Megan Macadam
  • Meriana Kora
  • Natalia Mendes
  • Nathalie Crawford
  • Ruby Bouhadana
  • Serena Thorpe
  • Zoe Vinen
  • Lauren Johansen
  • Manar Minawi

Our interests

Our team provides expert support across a broad spectrum of mental health and life adjustment issues. Explore our areas of specialty to find the right support for your needs.

Meet our team

Health & wellbeing

  • Body image concerns
  • Cancer support
  • Chronic health & pain management
  • Grief & loss
  • Insomnia
  • Loneliness
  • Parenting support
  • Perimenopause & Menopause support
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Self-esteem & confidence
  • Stress & burnout

Mental health

  • Anxiety (General, Social, Phobias, OCD, Panic)
  • Eating disorders
  • Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar)
  • Perinatal & Postnatal mental health
  • Substance use & dependence
  • Trauma & PTSD
  • Youth mental health

Specific support areas

  • ADHD Assessment
  • Autism Assessment
  • Couples therapy
  • LGBTQIA+ affirming practice
  • Neurodivergent affirming practice

Therapeutic approaches

  • ACT
  • CBT
  • CBT-E
  • DBT
  • EMDR
  • Gottman Couples Therapy
  • Schema Therapy
Birch Psychology
  • About us
    • Why choose us
    • Our services
    • Our space
  • Our team
    • Meet our team
      • Kate Willcox
      • Dr Nicole Woodhouse
      • Arielle Gohier
      • Clare Burton
      • Daisy Bottomley
      • Dr Gillian Campbell
      • Jess Murphy
      • Justin Kelly
      • Laura Kennan
      • Megan Macadam
      • Meriana Kora
      • Nathalie Crawford
      • Ruby Bouhadana
      • Serena Thorpe
      • Zoe Vinen
      • Natalia Mendes
      • Lauren Johansen
      • Manar Minawi
    • Join our team
  • Our Interests
    • Health & wellbeing
      • Body image concerns
      • Cancer Support
      • Chronic Health & Pain Management
      • Grief & Loss
      • Insomnia
      • Loneliness
      • Parenting support
      • Perimenopause & Menopause support
      • Relationship difficulties
      • Self-esteem & confidence
      • Stress & burnout
    • Mental health
      • Anxiety (General, Social, Phobias, OCD, Panic)
      • Eating disorders
      • Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar)
      • Perinatal & Postnatal mental health
      • Substance use & dependence
      • Trauma & PTSD
      • Youth mental health
    • Specific support areas
      • ADHD Assessment
      • Autism Assessment
      • Couples therapy
      • LGBTQIA+ affirming practice
      • Neurodivergent affirming practice
    • Therapeutic approaches
      • ACT
      • CBT
      • CBT-E
      • DBT
      • EMDR
      • Gottman Couples Therapy
      • Schema Therapy
  • What to expect
    • Your first appointment
    • Referral options
    • Fees & Rebates
    • Telehealth
  • Resources
    • For referrers
    • Book recommendations
  • Join our team
  • Contact
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Meet our Therapists

Natalia Mendes

Meet our therapists

Natalia Mendes

Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Over the last ten years I have worked in community and mental health settings as an Occupational Therapist, using a trauma-informed approach that respects each person’s strengths, sensory preferences and unique ways of engaging with the world.

At Birch, I work primarily with young people (aged 12 years+) and adults in therapeutic practice. My work at Birch is best suits to clients who are able to engage in talk-based and body-oriented therapeutic approaches, and who can navigate session in a clinic-based setting.

My practice focuses on helping people make sense of how daily activities, body awareness, and sensory processing influence emotional regulation and participation. Together with clients recognising how sensory input shapes experiences and to develop meaningful, personalised strategies that make day-to-day life feel more manageable and aligned with their needs. Another key part of my work also involves supporting parents, helping them understand their child’s sensory needs, as well as their own, to strengthen co-regulation, connection, and everyday wellbeing.

 

 

I am an Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner and am completing my Master’s in Sensory Integration, continuing to deepen my knowledge in sensory and body-based approaches. I am also trained in the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP).

My therapeutic work is collaborative and evidence-informed. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) to support people processing distressing or traumatic experiences. As a certified Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) facilitator, I integrate movement-based and body-oriented practices that help individuals and groups reconnect with their bodies, build safety, and support healing.

Alongside clinical work, I lecture in the Master of Occupational Therapy program at Monash University, where I teach and mentor emerging occupational therapists. I grew up in India, where my love of yoga and my passion for creating opportunities for meaningful occupation first began. I aim to offer a safe, respectful, and supportive space for people to explore regulation, connection, and wellbeing.

 
Natalia consults from our Alphington clinic.

At the core of her practice is helping people understand how daily activities, connection to body and sensory preferences can support their regulation and quality of life.  

Get in touch
Back to Meet our team

Make an appointment

Please call Birch on 8592 1954 to discuss your needs and arrange a convenient time to attend.

Please note that Birch Psychology is unable to provide a crisis service.

Get in touch

Please note that Birch Psychology is unable to provide a crisis service.
For 24-hour support, please contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or beyondblue 1300 22 4636.

Please note that Birch Psychology is unable to provide a crisis service.
For 24-hour support, please contact Lifeline 13 11 14
or beyondblue 1300 22 4636.

Please note that Birch Psychology is unable to provide a crisis service.
For 24-hour support, please contact
Lifeline 13 11 14
or beyondblue 1300 22 4636.

Birch Psychology acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung people as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which we live.  We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.  We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging. 

Birch Psychology is an inclusive practice.  We celebrate, value and include people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, bodies and abilities. 

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